The non-binding resolution, which drew criticism from Israel and the United States, which decried the lack of mention of Hamas, was adopted by a large majority of UN members.
The UN General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” on the 21st day of the war between Israel and Hamas, at a time when the Israeli army announced an “expansion” of its land operations in the Gaza Strip.
The non-binding resolution, which was criticized by Israel and the United States, which denounced the lack of mention of Hamas, was applauded by 120 in favor, 14 against and 45 abstentions from the 193 UN members.
A result that highlighted a division within Western countries, especially European ones: France voted in favor, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom abstained, while Austria and the United States voted against.
The text, drawn up by Jordan on behalf of the Group of 22 Arab countries, “calls for an immediate, permanent and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire leading to a cessation of hostilities.” The previous version called for an “immediate ceasefire.”
The Israeli army is “expanding” its ground operations
The war between Israel and Hamas was sparked by the terror group’s unprecedented attack on Israeli soil from the Gaza Strip on October 7.
In retaliation, the Israeli army has since relentlessly bombed the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and laid siege to this narrow Palestinian territory where some 2.4 million Palestinians are crowded. And it announced an “expansion” of its ground operations in the Gaza Strip on Friday evening.
The resolution, supported by nearly 50 countries, focuses primarily on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling in particular for the “immediate” provision of water, food, fuel and electricity “in sufficient quantities” and “unhindered” access to humanitarian assistance.
It also condemns “all acts of violence against Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks” and says it is “deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence since the October 7 attack,” but without mentioning Hamas.
Anger of the Israeli ambassador
That absence drew the ire of Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan, who said Thursday that the text’s place was “in the dustbin of history.”
“There are two key words missing from this resolution. The first is ‘Hamas’, it is scandalous that the perpetrators of the terrorist attack on October 7th are not named (…) and the other key word is ‘hostages’,” denounced the American ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
But a Canadian amendment that “categorically condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7” and called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of the hostages was defeated, although all by 88 votes in favor, 55 against and 23 abstentions (two thirds were required). . votes cast for adoption).
According to Israeli authorities, more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel in the attack by Hamas commandos, who kidnapped 229 Israeli, binational or foreign hostages. Four women have been released so far. According to Hamas, bombings in Gaza in the past three weeks have killed 7,326 people, mostly civilians, and injured nearly 19,000.